Forget chemicals — expert says this common laundry staple is the secret to banishing stubborn weeds for good

The warmer temperatures are finally here, and it’s the ideal time for tending to our backyard. However, this season also brings the tedious task of pulling out and getting rid of those relentless weeds, which are the bane of my life.

Not only do these weeds quickly invade your lawn or patio, ruining the overall appearance of your yard, but they are notoriously tough to remove because of their large central taproot. What’s more, they pose a threat to nearby flowers and plants by smothering and suffocating their ability to thrive and grow.

And while there are plenty of non-toxic, homemade hacks around, such as white vinegar, salt, and dish soap, I’ve just discovered a rather unconventional hack to banish weeds for good.

According to a patio expert, this little-known solution is ‘one of those tips people tend to come across by accident’, and you’re most likely to find this item in your laundry room, rather than in your gardening essentials. So what is this unusual hack?

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Banish weeds with washing powder

It seems like laundry detergent can do so much more than just get your clothing and fabrics fresh and clean. Powdered detergent can actually tackle patio weeds — making it a cost-effective weed killer.

“It is not widely talked about, but it works in a simple, practical way,” states Julian Nelson, patio paint specialist at Premium Paints. “Biological washing powders [a.k.a. detergents] are designed to break down organic matter, and weeds are no different in that sense.”

“Unlike more commonly shared methods, washing powder works by gradually breaking down the structure of the plant itself. When applied directly to weeds and lightly dampened, the enzymes begin to disrupt the surface, causing the plant to dry out over a few days. It is particularly effective in the narrow gaps between paving slabs, where weeds tend to return again and again.”

As many households are looking to save money or become more eco-friendly, there are tons of DIY weed-killing hacks that are becoming popular online. However, Nelson states that although methods like using vinegar or boiling water are widely recognized, they are often not applied consistently or the right way.

“A lot of the more common hacks get overused or do not deliver the results people expect,” he says. “This one tends to fly under the radar, but for weeds in cracks and joints it can be surprisingly effective without costing more than a few cents.”

Additionally, now is the right season to tackle weeds in your yard, lawn or patio. This is because there is still a mixture of mild temperatures and moisture in the air which is the perfect conditions for small weeds to grow quickly. That’s why it’s so important to catch weeds early, before they get out of hand and spread deep roots, which makes removing them a much more challenging gardening chore.

How to use powdered detergent on weeds

If you’re dealing with stubborn weeds (especially those growing in patio cracks), Nelson suggests this targeted homemade solution is ideal. What’s more, it’s easy to apply directly — simply sprinkle the powder onto the weeds and leave it to get to work. Alternatively, you could pour boiling water afterwards to stunt any root growth.

“What people like about it is how little effort it takes,” Nelson adds. “You do not need to keep reapplying it or mixing different solutions. You put it down, leave it, and let it work.

“As with any method, precision is important,” adds Nelson. “Biological washing powder should be applied directly to affected areas rather than spread across the whole patio, as it may impact surrounding plants if overused.”

Bear in mind that this method is only recommended for spot-treating specific areas rather than applying it everywhere. The idea is to just focus on where the weeds are coming through, without affecting the rest of your plants/yard. So the next time you’re out of your usual weed killer (or even white vinegar), you might want to check out your laundry essentials for a fuss-free solution this season.

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